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It is a specialized ultrasound test to assess
the function of the heart under stress. This
test can be used for patients who are unable
to or would have difficulty in walking on the
treadmill. This procedure examines the structure
and function of the heart as the heart rate is
increased using medication.
How should I prepare for the procedure?
No food or drink 2 hours before the test.
How is the procedure performed?
Your skin is prepared for the ECG electrodes
(sticky dots) by shaving (for men) and wiping
with an alcohol swab to clean the area of skin.
ECG electrodes are placed on the cleaned areas
and the leads from the ECG machine are attached
to the dots.
You then lie on a bed on your left side where a sonographer will take ultrasound
images of your heart at rest. This will take approximately 20 minutes. The Cardiologist
will then place a small needle in your arm to administer the medication. The
medication will be administered at a progressive rate until your target heart
rate is reached. This can take up to 30 minutes. As your heart rate is increasing,
the sonographer will be continuously taking images of your heart. Once the target
heart rate is reached the medication will be turned off and your heart rate will
return to normal in approximately 10 minutes.
The Cardiologist will then be able to compare the images of your heart at rest
with the images of your heart at its peak heart rate.
Procedure Time: 1 hour
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FCSC › surgical
procedures › Dobutamine Stress
Echocardiogram |
| False Creek Surgical Centre #600,
555 West 8 Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, BC, Canada |
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